French Phrase
Le cours de maths, c'est ma matière préférée.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to 'The math class, it is my favorite subject.' It's a common and natural way in French to express a strong preference for something, particularly a school subject. The use of 'c'est' (it is) after the subject 'Le cours de maths' emphasizes the statement.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to express that a particular school subject is your absolute favorite. It's suitable for casual conversations with friends, classmates, or family, and can be used in any informal or semi-formal context where you're discussing your academic preferences.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Le cours de mathsc'estma matière préférée
Le cours de maths
'Le cours de' means 'the class of' or 'the course of'. 'Maths' is the common abbreviation for 'mathématiques' (mathematics). Note the use of 'de' to link 'cours' and 'maths'.
C'est
'C'est' (it is/that is) is a very versatile and frequently used expression in French. It's used for identification, classification, and to introduce a general statement, especially when referring to a noun or a pronoun. It's often preferred over 'il est'/'elle est' in such contexts.
Ma matière préférée
'Ma' is the feminine possessive adjective for 'my' (singular). 'Matière' (subject) is a feminine noun. 'Préférée' (favorite) is an adjective that agrees in gender and number with 'matière', hence the extra 'e' at the end.
🗨In Conversation
Quelle est ta matière préférée à l'école ?
What's your favorite subject at school?
Le cours de maths, c'est ma matière préférée.
Math class is my favorite subject.
✕Common Mistakes
Le cours de maths est ma matière préférée.
While grammatically correct, 'c'est' is much more natural and common when expressing a general statement of preference or identification, especially after a noun phrase. 'Est' would sound a bit stiff here.
Le cours de maths, il est ma matière préférée.
Using 'il est' instead of 'c'est' is incorrect here. 'C'est' is used for identification or classification, while 'il est' (or 'elle est') is used with adjectives describing a previously mentioned noun, or with professions/nationalities without an article.
Ma matière préférée est le cours de maths.
This is grammatically correct but less emphatic and less common than starting with the subject itself and then using 'c'est'.
↔Alternatives
J'adore les maths.
I love math.
Les maths, c'est ce que je préfère.
Math, that's what I prefer.
Je suis fan des maths.
I'm a fan of math.
Cultural Tip
In French schools, subjects are often referred to as 'matières' (subjects) or 'disciplines'. Expressing strong preferences for subjects is common among students. While 'maths' is a widely accepted abbreviation for 'mathématiques', it's good to know the full word. French education tends to be quite structured, and students often have clear opinions on which subjects they excel at or enjoy the most.